Safety Grants

Grants are available to purchase safety equipment, promote health and wellness, implement drug-free workplaces, minimize firefighters' exposure to dangerous environmental elements and to assist people that work with developmentally disabled children and adults

This program is available to all Ohio state-fund, private and public taxing district employers to purchase equipment to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards. Private and public employers are eligible for a 3-to-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each eligibility cycle. This means BWC gives $3 for every $1 the employer contributes.

The Workplace Wellness Grant Program (WWGP) provides funding to assist employers in establishing training and programs to reduce health risk factors specific to their employees. Participating employers may receive $300 per participating employee over a four-year period, up to a maximum amount of $15,000 per policy.

Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) grants are intended to assist employers in implementing drug-free workplace programs. BWC will reimburse employers at rates detailed in the DFSP grants guide assuming all required documents are submitted and there is available grant funding.

BWC uses the Safety Intervention Grant for Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG) Program to partner with Ohio employers to minimize exposure to dangerous environmental elements. The FEEEG Program is available only to Ohio firefighter employers. Eligible employers may receive up to $15,000 for the duration of the FEEEG program.

BWC uses the Safety Intervention Grant for Employers working with persons with Developmental Disabilities (EWPDD) Grant Program to assist Ohio employers with ensuring the safety of their staff when carrying out the services they provide to developmentally disabled children and adults. Eligible employers may receive up to $20,000 for the duration of the EWPDD grant program.

The Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Grant Program is funded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation in collaboration with the office of the Ohio Attorney General. The program provides money to eligible law enforcement organizations (LEOs) for the purchase of body armor vests to enhance the safety and prevent injuries among law enforcement officers. Participation in the program is limited to LEOs with, or belong to an active Ohio State Insurance Fund policy with BWC. An eligible local law enforcement agency may request up to $40,000 of grant money during fiscal year 2019 for the purchase of body armor vests, with a local match of 25 percent. The program is administered by the office of the Ohio Attorney General and information about the grant can be accessed through the portal for LEOs found at the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG).

BWC's School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG) Program provides assistance to Ohio employers with ensuring the safety of their staff who instruct children throughout the state. The program is available to eligible Ohio employers who wish to purchase equipment to substantially improve the safety and security of facilities, and to reduce or eliminate injuries or illnesses associated with providing educational services to children.

The program is available only to Ohio employers that operate licensed preschool through 12th grade educational facilities. Eligible employers may receive up to $40,000 for the duration of the program.